Grenier on drug documentary, 'Entourage' encore

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Though his party boy character Vincent Chase on all eight seasons of "Entourage" savored life in the limelight, Adrian Grenier says he's quite content to be on the other side of the camera.

"I'm perfectly fine behind the scenes," said Grenier, who was on "Entourage" from 2004-2011. "Films don't get made without producers. So you know I feel OK (producing). I don't need the attention or the accolades."

Grenier teamed with director Matthew Cooke to produce the documentary "How to Make Money Selling Drugs," which paints a bleak picture of the war against drugs.

Celebrities including Woody Harrelson, Eminem, 50 Cent, Susan Sarandon, and surprisingly candid former drug dealers participated in the film, now playing in select theaters and on Video on Demand.

In a recent interview, the 36-year-old actor discussed the documentary, the upcoming "Entourage" movie and his latest music project:

AP: What are your thoughts on America's anti-drug efforts?

Adrian Grenier: I'm really more optimistic. I see so much hope and a lot of people are starting to recognize that the war on drugs isn't working. It is a waste of money and we could divert those resources into so many more productive things. ... So the thing that's frustrating to me is that it's taken so long. Forty years of the same mistake.

AP: In your documentary, 50 Cent talks about being a dealer when he was 12. How did you feel about that?

Grenier: 50 Cent was very generous to participate, and I think it just goes to show you he was unafraid to speak and communicate. So I think he should be an example for having that honest conversation. He's been there so he recognizes how problematic the drug trade can be when it's criminalized and when it becomes a black market.

AP: Are you tired of being hounded by fans about the "Entourage" film?

Grenier: Persistence is a great way to get something done. I know that from filmmaking. You just keep at it, relentless pursuit. So I don't blame 'Entourage' fans. In fact, I commend them for their relentless demand of the 'Entourage' movie.

AP: So what can you tell us about the movie?

Grenier: Let's go through the facts: There's a script and I think it's good. I hear it's good. I haven't read it. ... Everybody's onboard. Everybody wants to make the movie. It's been green-lit, which means there is a budget allocated and I think the fifth fact is it's only a matter of time.

AP: What are you hoping to see in Vince's next chapter?

Grenier: I really want to go back to the early days of 'Entourage.' A lot of fun and a lot of antics. Maybe some irresponsible behavior.

AP: Early days? Wasn't that every day?

Grenier: Oh right. Yeah, I guess so. Let's just do it again.

AP: So when you're not making films, are you discovering new talent through your home studio and music project, wreckroom.tv?

Grenier: I built the studio in my basement, a beautiful studio. I was really proud of it. But I just couldn't ever use it enough because I'm a little busy. And I decided to give it up to the community. ... We bring bands in and give them an opportunity to record in a professional studio and make a video and we put it out online. So we are a support system, an incubator for independent bands to help them get noticed.

AP: When will we hear new music from you?

Grenier: I need to get back in (the studio). It's funny, too. Now that I've started Wreckroom, I can't even book my own studio. I have to get on the list.